Used 2021 Kia Forte for Sale nearBirmingham, AL
Shop with transparent pricing.
Only show listings that include dealer fees- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Combined gas mileage:
- 36 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 98,781
- Stock #:
- BA0256
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD6ME353868
-$1,270
Sponsored by Long Lewis Chevrolet Bessemer
2021 Kia Forte
FE FWD
98,781 mi
$11,975
$10,705
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Deep Sea Blue
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 32,149
- Stock #:
- ME280919
- VIN:
- 3KPF54AD5ME280919
Sponsored Listing
2021 Kia Forte
EX FWD
32,149 mi
$18,500
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 34,209
- Stock #:
- CNE428370
- VIN:
- 3KPF54AD8NE428370
-$1,199
Sponsored Listing
2022 Kia Forte
GT-Line FWD
34,209 mi
$19,196
$18,696
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Silver
- Combined gas mileage:
- 36 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 74,354
- Stock #:
- 2183
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD4ME345817
2021 Kia Forte
FE FWD
74,354 mi
$13,579
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 49,547
- Stock #:
- PE366261
- VIN:
- 3KPF34AD4ME366261
-$405
2021 Kia Forte
GT Line FWD
49,547 mi
$18,711
$18,306
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 201 hp 1.6L I4
- Exterior color:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- 7-Speed Automatic
- Mileage:
- 77,025
- Stock #:
- NE434107A
- VIN:
- 3KPF44AC9NE434107
2022 Kia Forte
GT FWD
77,025 mi
$18,017
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Deep Sea Blue
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 32,149
- Stock #:
- ME280919
- VIN:
- 3KPF54AD5ME280919
2021 Kia Forte
EX FWD
32,149 mi
$18,500
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Gravity Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Gray
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 36,417
- Stock #:
- PNE417058
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD5NE417058
2022 Kia Forte
LXS FWD
36,417 mi
$16,806
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 32 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Manual
- Mileage:
- 17,885
- Stock #:
- E302108
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD2ME302108
2021 Kia Forte
FE FWD
17,885 mi
$14,088
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Combined gas mileage:
- 36 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 98,781
- Stock #:
- BA0256
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD6ME353868
-$1,270
2021 Kia Forte
FE FWD
98,781 mi
$11,975
$10,705
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 34,209
- Stock #:
- CNE428370
- VIN:
- 3KPF54AD8NE428370
-$1,199
2022 Kia Forte
GT-Line FWD
34,209 mi
$19,196
$18,696
- Year:
- 2020
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 51,408
- Stock #:
- 29114542
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD8LE259523
2020 Kia Forte
LXS FWD
51,408 mi
$17,147
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Red
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 64,538
- Stock #:
- E417886
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD9NE417886
2022 Kia Forte
LXS FWD
64,538 mi
$14,588
About 2021 Kia Forte
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Gravity Gray
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 91,965
- Stock #:
- UFC1417
- VIN:
- 3KPF34AD0ME408490
2021 Kia Forte
GT Line FWD
91,965 mi
$15,428
- Year:
- 2021
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Gray
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 123,121
- Stock #:
- 00271
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD1ME333222
2021 Kia Forte
LXS FWD
123,121 mi
$10,015
- Year:
- 2020
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 57,000
- VIN:
- 3KPF34AD7LE253239
2020 Kia Forte
GT Line FWD
57,000 mi
$16,033
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Aurora Black (abp)
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black W/Gray Stitching (wk)
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 68,115
- Stock #:
- 17304
- VIN:
- 3KPF54AD3NE483745
2022 Kia Forte
GT-Line FWD
68,115 mi
$18,729
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Exterior color:
- Blue
- Interior color:
- Black
- Mileage:
- 64,544
- Stock #:
- 445891
- VIN:
- 3KPF44AC8NE445891
-$700
2022 Kia Forte
GT FWD
64,544 mi
$17,663
$16,963
- Year:
- 2020
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Teal
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 49,336
- Stock #:
- KU4092
- VIN:
- 3KPF24AD7LE209843
2020 Kia Forte
LXS FWD
49,336 mi
$15,640
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Blue
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 25,623
- Stock #:
- K16911A
- VIN:
- 3KPF54AD9NE439765
2022 Kia Forte
GT-Line FWD
25,623 mi
$20,640
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Snow White Pearl
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Continuously Variable Transmission
- Mileage:
- 81,393
- Stock #:
- 261142A
- VIN:
- 3KPF54ADXNE447194
2022 Kia Forte
GT-Line FWD
81,393 mi
$17,819
- Year:
- 2022
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Snow White Pearl
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 72,190
- Stock #:
- STK448287
- VIN:
- 3KPF24ADXNE448287
2022 Kia Forte
LXS FWD
72,190 mi
$16,606
- Year:
- 2020
- Make:
- Kia
- Model:
- Forte
- Body type:
- Sedan
- Doors:
- 4 doors
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine:
- 147 hp 2L I4
- Exterior color:
- Aurora Black
- Combined gas mileage:
- 34 MPG
- Fuel type:
- Gasoline
- Interior color:
- Black
- Transmission:
- Automatic
- Mileage:
- 105,730
- Stock #:
- 176871
- VIN:
- 3KPF34AD3LE176871
-$500
2020 Kia Forte
GT Line FWD
105,730 mi
$13,100
$12,600
Overview
The Kia Forte was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, and it carries over into 2021 largely unchanged.
With its five available trims, Kia’s compact sedan really spans the range from economy to enthusiast vehicle. The base trim, FE, is shortest on frills but most affordable. LXS is a little more refined and adds some creature comforts. The GT-Line model gets sportier and gains some premium features, EX is the highest-end version in terms of luxury appointments, and GT is the real driver’s car.
The Kia Forte lineup comprises two different engines: a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque is standard on FE, LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims, while a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque is standard on the top-of-the-line, performance-focused GT trim. Engine upgrades are not available for 2021.
Kia acknowledges the dichotomy of the stick-shift by making the 6-speed manual transmission standard on the FE, for cost savings, and optional on the GT, for a sporty driving experience. (Standard for the GT is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which is only available for this trim.) Kia’s i-VT continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on LXS, GT-Line, and EX trims, and it’s an available upgrade for FE.
Each Kia Forte trim has a dedicated wheel style. While every other trim gets alloy wheels, the base FE gets 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, no doubt as a further cost-saving measure. LXS Fortes get 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, GT-Line models’ wheels are 17 inches with a graphite finish, EXS trims’ are 17 inches with a machine finish, and GT trims’ are 18 inches with a machine-finish.
Variations continue inside. FE and LXS trims get cloth seats, while Kia adds leatherette side bolsters and contrast stitching for GT-Line and EXS. Forte GTs get artificial leather seats. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support is optional on GT-Line and GT and standard on EX. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on EX and optional on GT. FE does not get the 60/40-split folding rear seats, but every other trim does. Dual-zone climate control is standard on the EX trim only.
The gearshift knob in the sportier GT-Line and GT trims is leather-wrapped, an upgrade over the PVC version found in other trims. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard in the top three trims, and for GT and GT-Line, it is sportily styled with a flat bottom.
An 8-inch touchscreen display with rear-view camera is standard in all Kia Fortes. A version that includes satellite radio and Kia’s UVO infotainment system is optional on GT-Line and standard on GT, and a version with HD Radio and Kia’s top-of-the-line UVO Link system, which includes navigation, is standard on EX. A 4-speaker sound system is standard on FE and LXS while a 6-speaker system is standard on GT-Line and up. An 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system is available as an optional upgrade for GT-Line and up.
Forward-collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning are all standard on every 2021 Kia Forte. Lane-change assist, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning are standard on GT-Line trims and up (though some features are not compatible with the manual transmission that can be optioned on the GT trim). High-beam assist is standard for GT-Line, and parking distance warning – reverse, and smart cruise control are available options for that trim only.
The 2021 Kia Forte FE starts at $17,890. The LXS is priced from $19,390, GT-Line from $20,490, and EX from $23,090, and the range-topping Kia Forte GT starts at $22,790.
*CarGurus meticulously monitors the prices of millions of pre-owned vehicle listings, offering users precise and up-to-date market insights. Historical pricing data excludes any additional dealer fees as of May 3, 2026.
4.7 Overall rating
Filter by rating
Carlos B
Reviewed a 2021 Kia Forte on Jan 27, 2025
Good economical vehicle for daily driving. The vehicle has basic needs for modern day driving. Good basic manufacturer model warranty and dependable usage.
Steve R
Reviewed a 2021 Kia Forte on Mar 14, 2021
The Kia Forte rated by JD Powers with best initial quality of any compact sedan. It offers Apple Car Play/ Android Auto, & has safety features at a price no other manufacturer can come close to. It is the best value compact sedan period!
Patrick M
Reviewed a 2021 Kia Forte on Jan 23, 2024
A base model car like this is missing nothing else. Apple CarPlay and Android CarPlay being supported are my best features found is this car.. The backup camera is second to none so I give this car a thumbs up.
Dan B
Reviewed a 2021 Kia Forte on Jan 22, 2022
Good value. Compare to hyundai elantra Good safety rating. Fun to drive.
2021 Kia Forte Trims
| Trim type | MSRP |
|---|---|
| LX FWD | -- |
| EX FWD | $23,090 |
| FE FWD | $17,890 |
| GT FWD | $22,790 |
| GT Line FWD | $20,490 |
| LXS FWD | $19,390 |
*CarGurus meticulously monitors the prices of millions of pre-owned vehicle listings, offering users precise and up-to-date market insights. Historical pricing data excludes any additional dealer fees as of May 3, 2026.
2021 Kia Forte Price Trends
CarGurus tracks the prices of millions of used car listings every year. See how the average price of 2021 Kia Forte prices has changed over time.
See more price trends2021 Kia Forte Pricing Analysis: Birmingham, AL Market Report
Pricing by Nearby Locations
Market Area: Birmingham, AL
Key Insights
- Consistent Pricing in Nearby Cities: Both Jasper, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL have the same average price of $11,324, indicating a stable market in these areas.
- Higher Prices in Carrollton, GA: At $12,093, Carrollton has the highest average price, suggesting either a higher demand or a more premium inventory.
- Inventory Levels: With 117 listings, Carrollton has the most inventory, which may contribute to its higher pricing compared to the other cities.
City-Level Pricing
| City | Total Listings | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jasper, AL | 100 | $11,324 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 96 | $11,324 |
| Carrollton, GA | 117 | $12,093 |
Pricing by Trim Packages
Key Insights
- LXS FWD is the Most Common Trim: With 140 listings, the LXS FWD trim is the most available, indicating strong demand for this entry-level option.
- Price Variance Across Trims: The GT FWD trim, priced at $22,790, is significantly higher than the base FE FWD at $17,890, reflecting the added features and performance.
- Feature-Rich Options: Higher trims like the GT FWD and GT Line FWD offer premium features such as leather seats and advanced safety technology, appealing to buyers seeking more luxury.
Trim-Level Details
| Trim | Listings | MSRP | Drivetrain | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS FWD | 140 | $19,390 | FWD | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
| GT FWD | 41 | $22,790 | FWD | 1.6L 201 hp I4 |
| GT Line FWD | 34 | $20,490 | FWD | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
| FE FWD | 18 | $17,890 | FWD | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
| EX FWD | 6 | $23,090 | FWD | 2.0L 147 hp I4 |
Pricing Analysis by Model Year
Key Insights
- Significant Depreciation for Older Models: The 2020 Kia Forte shows a drastic drop in value, with an average price of $6,999, reflecting a -60.1% depreciation from its original MSRP.
- Recent Models Retain Value: The 2024 model is priced at $17,983, which is -10.1% below its MSRP, indicating a relatively stable demand for newer vehicles.
- Best Value in 2022 Model Year: The 2022 Kia Forte is priced at $18,696, only +3.2% above its original MSRP, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for a balance of price and features.
Model Year Pricing
| Model Year | Original MSRP | Avg Price | Price vs MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Forte | $19,990 | $17,983 | -10.1% |
| 2023 Kia Forte | $19,690 | $17,145 | -13.0% |
| 2022 Kia Forte | $19,090 | $18,696 | +3.2% |
| 2020 Kia Forte | $17,890 | $6,999 | -60.1% |
| 2018 Kia Forte | $16,800 | $8,167 | -51.4% |
| 2017 Kia Forte | $16,600 | $11,264 | -32.3% |
| 2016 Kia Forte | $15,990 | $4,999 | -68.7% |
| 2015 Kia Forte | $15,890 | $5,290 | -66.7% |
These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 23, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.
*CarGurus meticulously monitors the prices of millions of pre-owned vehicle listings, offering users precise and up-to-date market insights. Historical pricing data excludes any additional dealer fees as of May 3, 2026.
How much does the 2021 Kia Forte cost?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Average Price | $14,442 |
| Year-Round Low | $14,115 |
| Year-Round High | $15,105 |
| Average Price a Year Ago | $15,076 |
| Change vs. Last Year | −4.21% |
Prices have softened 4.21% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.
There are 1,585 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte a good car?
Yes — the 4.67/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise its value, fuel efficiency, and modern technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and many also like its safety ratings and fun-to-drive character. The market also shows 31.7% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?
Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.
The user feedback also points to a car that feels dependable in everyday use, with owners highlighting its value, fuel efficiency, and modern tech as reasons they keep recommending it. That kind of consistent praise usually matters most when you want a used car you can count on for routine commuting and ownership over time.
For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the model’s appeal and more about finding a well-kept example with a clean history and consistent maintenance.
What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia Forte?
At 68.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
You should run a vehicle history report before you commit, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if the car has any accident record or incomplete service history. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs of uneven repair quality so you can separate a clean example from one that may have hidden issues.
Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia Forte?
This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.
- Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
- Inventory: There are 1,585 listings available.
- Price trend: Prices have softened 4.21% compared with last year.
- Clean inventory: 68.7% of listings are accident-free.
If you find a listing below $14,115, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.
What is the 2021 Kia Forte's resale value?
The current average of $14,442 sits slightly below last year's $15,076.
That softer pricing can help you buy at a more favorable entry point, but it also suggests resale values may not be climbing quickly in the near term. If you plan to sell later, the best protection is choosing a clean, well-maintained example with strong equipment and broad appeal.
Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Forte or consider a different year?
If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:
Choose the 2021 if:
- 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
- At 68.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
- Price trend: Prices have softened 4.21% compared with last year.
- Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
Consider the 2020 if:
- At $13,032, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $14,442 average.
- It emphasizes affordable, fun-to-drive value with a turbocharged sport-sedan feel.
Consider the 2022 if:
- At $16,693, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $14,442 average.
- It adds sharper styling and updated infotainment and driver-assist tech.
The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want a balanced mix of price, owner satisfaction, and available inventory. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want newer features and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is the upgrade path to consider.
These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.
*CarGurus meticulously monitors the prices of millions of pre-owned vehicle listings, offering users precise and up-to-date market insights. Historical pricing data excludes any additional dealer fees as of May 3, 2026.
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